More Top Stories
$12.9m approved for solar battery project, NZ confirms
12 March 2025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers
12 March 2025
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
10 February 2025
No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
Police need numbers and bigger budget
9 December 2024
Niki Rattle: A call for stronger human rights protections
10 December 2024
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
10 December 2024
DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
6 December 2024
Cook Islands has its first mosque
14 November 2024
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
16 November 2024
RAC to address mosque legality
19 November 2024
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Articles by Talaia Mika
DPM Nicholas clarifies allegations on contract distribution
Saturday 8 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Albert Nicholas, has dismissed allegations made by the leader of the United Party, Teariki Heather regarding the distribution of government contracts, particularly in the construction sector.
Students gather for lent season
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features, Local, National
Students of St Joseph’s School and Nukutere College gathered at the St Joseph’s Cathedral in Avarua with teachers and parents marking the beginning of the lent season.
Community rallies to support resident’s cancer battle
Friday 7 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Cook Islands community and supporters, both locally and abroad, are rallying behind Stephen Lyon, director of Pacific Divers, as he embarks on a critical journey for life-saving cancer treatment in the United States.
‘Journey towards better character’: Children and faithful join Ash Wednesday mass
Thursday 6 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Church Talk, Features
The pouring rain did not dampen the spirits of Catholics in Rarotonga as they joined millions of faithful followers around the world yesterday to mark Ash Wednesday, celebrating the start of the Lent season.
Men charged for drunken behaviour on bail
Wednesday 5 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
The men who were arrested over the weekend for their drunken behaviour are currently on bail.
Rainy weather fails to dampen spirits in Rarotonga
Wednesday 5 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Weather
Cook Islands Meteorological Service advises the public to remain cautious during heavy rain and thunderstorms and to stay updated with the latest weather information.
Empty shelves and high prices: Pa Enua residents turn to land and sea amidst shipping delays
Tuesday 4 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
The residents of a Southern Group Island continue to endure ongoing hardships due to inconsistent shipping, driving up costs and forcing reliance on subsistence living, while awaiting government-promised shipping improvements.
PM defends additional $1.8 million Crown Law funding
Tuesday 4 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
The supplementary budget’s allocation for Crown Law addresses urgent staff retention and recruitment needs, aiming to boost lawyer numbers and improve remuneration.
Mangaia acts swiftly to save air link amid funding delays
Tuesday 4 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Outer Islands
Mangaia is undertaking urgent repairs to its rain-damaged runway independently to maintain regular air service, following Air Rarotonga’s warning that it will restrict flights to dry conditions only.
Local context key to math success, expert tells government
Monday 3 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Local, National
A leading mathematics education expert has urged the government to invest in developing its own teaching resources rather than relying on commercial textbooks from overseas publishers, warning that imported materials may not fully support students’ learning needs.
Titikaveka College installs 14 new student leaders
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Titikaveka College has elected 14 new leaders to head the school this year with the goal of not just leading but assisting, inspiring and being good role models to their fellow students.
Cook Islands seeking New Zealand expertise for Sovereign Wealth Fund
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Parliament, Regional
The Cook Islands government has taken further steps towards establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), with officials currently in New Zealand holding discussions with financial experts, Prime Minister Mark Brown told Parliament this week.
Mangaia runway needs urgent repairs
Saturday 1 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Parliament
Mangaia’s airport runway is in dire need of government funding for improvements due to weather-related flight cancellations and deterioration, according to a Member of Parliament from the southern group island.
‘A piece of me’: Titikaveka residents grieve centuries-old tree’s removal
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Despite its deep historical and cultural significance and the emotional distress of many residents, a 200-year-old Utu tree in Titikaveka was removed due to safety concerns from its deteriorated condition, sparking a debate about balancing tradition and public safety.
Decline in reo Māori speakers addressed in Parliament
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, National, Parliament
Minister for Education, Vaine ‘Mac’ Mokoroa has acknowledged that while language is important in the classrooms, it is also vital to remember that speaking reo Maori starts from home.
Govt reviews future of Auckland consulate office
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Parliament
The future of the Cook Islands Consulate office in Auckland remains uncertain as the government reviews its international diplomatic presence.
Historic 200 year old tree removed
Friday 28 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
One of the oldest trees in front of the Titikaveka Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) which survived for over 200 years was taken down yesterday as it posed safety risks and alleged damages to its surrounding.
Government to seek update on China’s naval exercises
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Parliament
As concerns continue to emerge over China’s ‘unusual’ naval exercises in the Tasman Sea raising eyebrows from New Zealand and Australia, the Cook Islands government was questioned for an update in parliament yesterday.
New national security agency to combat transnational crimes
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed that the newly formed National Security Agency is part of the nation’s development and growth in part of the regional network of nations that are working together to combat transnational crimes.
Govt explores China’s advanced tech: Potential solutions to aging battery systems in the Pa Enua
Thursday 27 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Technology
The Cook Islands government is looking to China for potential solutions to the aging battery systems as part of its effort to maintain renewable energy in the Pa Enua.
